NAIROBI, Kenya — Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has defended his decision to skip the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations held in Mombasa over the weekend, saying the event came too soon after the death of former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Monday, November 17, the legislator said that although he received an official invitation, he felt it was inappropriate to hold a celebratory event while many Kenyans were still mourning.
“I was invited, but I did not attend because I thought it was too soon to have a celebration. We needed at least 40 or 50 days to mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga before we could go to Mombasa to celebrate,” he said.
Kibagendi added that the gathering did not reflect genuine unity or celebration, instead accusing some party members of using the occasion to stoke internal rivalry.
“You realize that it was not a celebration; people went to cause division and fight, and that division is continuing up to now. I thought it was not necessary for me to attend the event,” he said.
His comments followed growing internal criticism of the party’s handling of the anniversary and recent leadership changes.
Earlier Monday, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi faulted ODM for appointing Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, as party leader during the celebrations. Amisi argued that the move was poorly timed and insensitive, given the national mourning still underway.
“The ODM at 20 celebrations and Oburu Odinga’s appointment as party leader should have been postponed. The timing was wrong because Kenyans are still mourning Raila; some people are still crying. Why couldn’t we just postpone?” he posed.
Amisi also questioned the legality of Oburu’s installation, claiming ODM failed to follow the procedures set out in its constitution.
“What is happening in ODM is not allowing Raila to rest in peace, as the party has been left in the hands of people who lack leadership. Oburu Odinga is party leader unconstitutionally. A conference of national delegates was supposed to be held,” he argued.
The Saboti MP has repeatedly urged restraint from political leaders following Raila’s death. Last week, he appealed for a temporary halt to visits to Raila’s home in Bondo, Siaya County, saying the family needed privacy.
In an update on Monday, November 10, he urged leaders to give the Odinga family time to rest, noting that political visits could resume in 2026.
“There is just much a human being can handle. Perhaps it is about time leaders give Mama Ida and her family peace to take some rest. Baba’s mausoleum is not going anywhere. We can visit from next year,” Amisi said.
The concerns by the two MPs underscore growing tensions within ODM as the party navigates leadership transitions and internal realignments following the death of its long-time figurehead.
